Newport Beach offers more than just sunny shores and stylish boutiques. Its dinner tours showcase the area’s stunning coastal views, elegant cuisine, and unique experiences that turn a simple night out into a memorable event. Whether you’re craving a romantic cruise, a lively holiday celebration, or a day of retail and sightseeing combined with a delicious meal, Newport Beach has options tailored for different tastes and budgets. With a mix of luxury boat rides, festive holiday cruises, and immersive land-based adventures, this guide breaks down the top choices to help you plan your perfect evening.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best dinner tours in Newport Beach includes a variety of experiences designed to suit different interests and budgets. You’ll find luxury dinner cruises with gourmet food and seaside views, such as the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach, ideal for celebrating special occasions. For a more comprehensive day exploring the area’s top spots, the Newport Beach Adventure, Retail Therapy and Dining combines shopping, sightseeing, and a lovely meal. Holiday-specific cruises like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day buffets offer festive, family-friendly options. For a romantic twist, the Romantic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese provides an intimate setting aboard a sleek electric boat. Read on for detailed reviews of each.
1. Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach
At number one, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach stands out for its seamless blend of sightseeing and gourmet dining. This 2.5-hour cruise offers a relaxed, elegant setting on the water, perfect for celebrating a special evening. Once aboard, diners enjoy a freshly prepared duet entrée served at a private table, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a range of decadent desserts. The cruise’s highlight is watching the harbor’s lights flicker on as you dine under the stars.
What makes this cruise unique is its focus on combining scenic views with fine dining. The outdoor decks provide ample space to enjoy the sparkling night sky and seaside vistas, all while listening to background music via satellite radio. The cruise has a friendly, attentive crew, and reviews consistently praise the atmosphere and food quality. Starting at around $133 per person, it offers a solid value for those seeking a romantic or special-occasion experience. It’s well suited for couples, anniversaries, or anyone wanting a quiet, intimate dinner with a view.
Bottom line: This cruise offers a high-quality, relaxed experience with good value for an intimate, scenic dinner on the water.
2. Newport Beach Adventure, Retail Therapy and Dining
For those who want a full day of exploring combined with a memorable meal, the Newport Beach Adventure, Retail Therapy and Dining is hard to beat. Priced at around $1,099 for a group of up to five people, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Newport’s top spots over 7 to 8 hours. You’ll visit the modern Newport Beach Civic Center, with its panoramic views and art installations like Bunnyhenge, perfect for photos. Then, explore Fashion Island, a high-end shopping destination that combines lush landscaping with upscale boutiques.
The tour continues to Lido Marina Village, where you can enjoy a mix of coastal scenery, boutique shopping, and dining options. The focus on contemporary architecture and landscaped grounds creates a refined backdrop for your day. This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a blend of sightseeing, retail therapy, and a quality meal in one package. Keep in mind that since this is a full-day adventure, it’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule and a love for exploring urban and coastal environments. The value reflects the depth of the experience, though it’s definitely more suitable for groups or families rather than solo travelers.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, upscale day combining sightseeing, shopping, and dining—all in one luxurious package.
3. Newport Beach: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Newport Beach? The Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise delivers a festive, scenic holiday experience. Priced at $141 per person, this cruise lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, offering a chef-prepared buffet featuring all the traditional holiday favorites. You’ll get to enjoy scenic views of the harbor and beaches while indulging in your meal.
The cruise’s charm lies in its combination of holiday cheer and coastal beauty. The buffet includes standard holiday fare, complemented by live music entertainment that adds a lively touch to the celebration. Reviews highlight how well this cruise balances festive atmosphere with relaxing scenery. It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to add a special holiday touch to their visit. The price reflects both the quality of food and the unique experience of dining on the water during a holiday.
Bottom line: A festive, family-friendly option that combines holiday traditions with breathtaking views, suitable for those wanting a memorable Thanksgiving.
4. Newport Beach: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
If Christmas is your special occasion, the Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a truly festive experience — and it’s rated a perfect 5/5. For $141 per person, your 2 to 2.5-hour cruise includes a chef-prepared holiday buffet, full bar, and festive décor. The ship’s cozy atmosphere and scenic harbor views make it a memorable way to celebrate.
What sets this cruise apart is its attention to holiday details. The buffet features seasonal dishes, and the onboard ambiance is decorated for Christmas, creating a warm, joyful environment. Reviews reflect the high quality of the food and the friendly service. It’s suitable for families, couples, or groups wanting a special holiday experience. The cruise’s value lies in blending festive celebration with stunning coastal scenery, perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.
Bottom line: This holiday cruise is an impressive choice for those seeking a warm, festive atmosphere with exceptional scenery.
5. Newport Beach: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrating Christmas Eve? The Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise is a slightly more upscale option at $186 per person. This 2.5-hour cruise offers a chef-prepared buffet, full bar service, and festive décor, ensuring a warm, celebratory atmosphere. The extra price reflects the added festivity and full-service experience.
Guests enjoy scenic views and an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring holiday favorites, with unlimited mimosas available during brunch. The cruise has a reputation for excellent service and a festive ambiance that makes it well-suited for families, couples, or groups wanting to mark Christmas Eve in style. It offers a perfect blend of scenic harbor cruising and holiday cheer, making it a popular choice for those seeking an elegant, memorable night.
Bottom line: An elegant, festive cruise ideal for Christmas Eve, blending holiday traditions with scenic beauty and attentive service.
6. Romantic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese or Surprise Dinner
Finally, for a more intimate experience, the Romantic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese offers a cozy 2-hour journey aboard a luxurious Electric Duffy Cruiser. Perfect for small groups or couples, this tour is rated 5/5 and costs about $149 per person. It’s ideal for celebrating a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, with a focus on personalized service.
This cruise includes dinner, drinks, and wine, with options for a surprise dinner or a wine & cheese pairing. The boat departs from Marina del Rey at a specific location and offers scenic views of Los Angeles’ coastline, including opportunities to see marine life and watch the sunset. Past reviews praise the peaceful ambiance and luxurious setting, making it a top choice for an intimate, romantic evening.
Depending on your preferences, this cruise is perfect if you want a private, upscale experience with a focus on personalized service and scenic beauty. The main drawback is its limited capacity, making early booking essential.
Bottom line: This cruise is a prime pick for couples or small groups seeking an exclusive, romantic evening on the water.
How to Choose the Right Dinner Tour in Newport Beach
When selecting your ideal dinner tour, consider your budget, the type of experience you want (romantic, festive, comprehensive), and the time available. For a relaxed, intimate night, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise offers excellent value. If you’re looking for a full day combining shopping and sightseeing, the Newport Beach Adventure is your best bet.
Holiday travelers should look at the special Christmas and Thanksgiving cruises, which add festive décor and themed menus. For those wanting a more private, romantic experience, the Romantic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese is ideal. Keep in mind that some cruises, especially during holidays, fill up quickly, so booking early is advisable.
Final Thoughts
Newport Beach’s dinner tours cover a range of tastes, from luxury sunset cruises to full-day explorations and festive holiday cruises. For the best value and a classic coastal experience, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise is hard to beat, especially for romantic evenings. Holiday cruises like the Christmas Day Buffet offer joyful, scenic celebrations, while the Romantic Boat Cruise ensures an intimate, memorable outing.
To make the most of your trip, consider your priorities—whether it’s a special celebration, exploring the area, or simply enjoying a relaxing evening—and book early to secure your spot. Whatever you choose, Newport Beach’s dinner tours promise an experience as beautiful as the coast itself.